algae question

[7days]

I have a 10 gal with a mild algae problem. If I start using distilled water for my water changes, how long should it take to get rid of the algae? I do 2 to 2.5 gal water changes each week.
Are there any inverts, crabs, etc. that would help rid the tank of algae? I have 10#s of lr with a starfish and a turbo (no fish)for clean up. They help, but obiously I need a little more to keep the tank algae free. Thanks.

 

[bigarn]

Have you been using tap water? If you have that's contributing to the algae problem. Use RO/DI water for best results. If it's a young tank algae blooms are normal.
Get a few more Turbos, Scarlet hermits and some Nassarius snails to help clean it up. Make sure you have good waterflow throughout the tank and cut back on light time.

 

[7days]

Isn't distilled water the same thing? The tank is relatively new. It's been up since June, and it cycled in about a month.
I am trying to stay away from scarlets, but would an emerald crab eat algae?
Thanks for your help bigarn.

 

[bigarn]

RO water is better than distilled...all impurities have been taken out of it. Why are you staying away from scarlets?....It's the blue legs that are cannibals. Emerald crabs are great at eating bubble algae and hair algae,a definite plus for the tank.
Don't forget about the Nassarius and Turbos.....A plus in any tank IMO.

 

[7days]

Sorry. You're right about the scarlets and blue legs. I was trying to read and respond before I walked out the door, and got the two confused.
I also realized that I forgot to mention earlier that I do have nassarius snails in my tank. And I think I'll add a little more lr and then decide if I want an emerald or scarlet. By the way do you know how many of each would be appropriate for a 10 gal tank with 10-15# r? :notsure:
I'll start with the new water this weekend and ponder the crab issue a little longer. :thinking:
Thanks again for your help

 

[cliffrouse11bas]

Just add some snails and some scarlet hermits. I would add astreas. Distilled works fine but ro/di water is better. Get a TDS meter and whatever water gives you the lowest number is the best in my opinion..